Lasithi Plateau Tour: Explore Knossos Palace and Villages

Embark on a private tour to discover the wonders of Lasithi Plateau, including the famous Knossos Palace and the breathtaking Zeus Cave. Immerse yourself in nature, history, and tradition on this unforgettable journey.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Omalia Olive Press - The journey begins with a visit to a 4th generation olive oil factory.

Experience firsthand the blend of modern techniques and traditional methods passed down through generations.

As you tour the factory, you’ll have the chance to taste the rich, golden olive oil freshly pressed from the harvest. Each sip is a burst of flavor, transporting you to the sun-drenched hillsides where the olives were grown.

Beyond the sensory delight, visiting an olive oil factory in Crete offers a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and heritage. Olive oil here is more than a culinary staple; it symbolizes life itself, revered for its health benefits and deep connection to the land.

As you leave the factory, you take with you not just a bottle of olive oil, but a piece of Crete’s soul – a tangible reminder of the timeless bond between this ancient land and its most precious fruit.

  • Ano Kera - Pass by without stopping
  • Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau - The next stop is the Lasithi Plateau to explore old windmills and capture the spectacular mountain views.

For centuries, these windmills have stood as guardians of the land, harnessing the wind’s power to grind grain and irrigate the fertile soil.

Each windmill tells a story of hard work and perseverance, passed down through generations of farmers. Their simple yet elegant design is a testament to the ingenuity of those who built them, using local materials and ancient techniques.

Today, the windmills of Lasithi Plateau are not just relics of the past but living monuments to the island’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors come from far and wide to marvel at their beauty and learn about the history of this timeless landscape.

  • Psychro - Next, we’ll stop at Psychro village for a pottery workshop, where you can watch the owner create ceramics and even make your own souvenir.
  • Magoula - Pass by without stopping
  • Lasithi Mesa - In this small village, you’ll meet locals in an old kafeneio (traditional café) to enjoy Greek coffee and some raki, and learn about their daily life, traditions, and culture.
  • Marmaketo - Everyone loves strawberries, so it’s time to pick some fresh strawberries from our garden.
  • Tzermiado - Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the capital village of Lasithi Plateau and admire the old characteristic houses.
  • Lagou - Pass by without stopping
  • Kera Kardiotissa Monastery - On the way back, enjoy lunch at a family taverna with Cretan food made from fresh local products.
    Here you can taste traditional dishes such as Moussaka, Saganaki, Stuffed vegetables, Greek salad, or Lamb in the oven.
  • Krasi - Explore a 2,400-year-old Platanus Tree.

The Platanus tree of Krasi stands as a majestic symbol of nature’s resilience and enduring beauty. Nestled within the charming village of Krasi on the island of Crete, this ancient plane tree has witnessed centuries of history unfold beneath its sprawling branches.

As you approach the tree, its sheer size commands attention, casting a cool shade over the surrounding square. Its gnarled trunk, weathered by time, tells stories of generations past, while its lush foliage rustles gently in the breeze, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling village.

Legend has it that the Platanus tree of Krasi is over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living beings in Europe. Its presence is deeply ingrained in local folklore, revered by villagers as a sacred guardian of the land.

Visitors from far and wide come to marvel at this ancient specimen, drawn by its sheer magnitude and historical significance.

  • Avdou - Passing through olive groves.
  • Aposelemis Dam - On the way back, we’ll stop at the largest dam on Crete island, Aposelemis Dam. It has become a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the reservoir.

As you stand on the banks of the reservoir, surrounded by the tranquility of the Cretan countryside, you can’t help but appreciate the profound impact that the Aposelemis Dam has had on the lives of those who call this island home. For in its waters flows not just sustenance, but the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The Aposelemis Dam stands as a modern engineering marvel amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete, a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for sustainable water management. Located near the village of Avdou, this imposing structure harnesses the waters of the Aposelemis River, serving as a vital lifeline for the island’s inhabitants and agricultural endeavors.

  • The Palace of Knossos - Finally, it’s time to explore the Palace of Knossos.
    Discover the oldest civilization in Europe in this magnificent ancient site.
    Knossos Palace is the capital of the Minoan Civilization and the most visited site on Crete island. The palace was constructed in 1900 BC and destroyed around 1380-1100 BC.
What's Included
  • Wines, Greek Coffee, Raki, and Refreshments
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation in Mercedes Benz Van
  • All fees and taxes
  • Liability Insurance
  • Pick up and drop off from your accommodation, hotel, port, or airport
  • Professional English-speaking Driver Guide
What's Not Included
  • Knossos Palace entrance (15 euro per person)
  • Lunch in traditional Taverna (optional)
  • Official Licensed Tourist Guide at Knossos Palace(100 euro per group optional)
Additional Information

This private guided tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty, history, and traditions of the Lasithi Plateau region, featuring 15 charming villages and the ancient Knossos Palace of the Minoan civilization.

Participants will visit Old Windmills, traditional villages of the Lasithi Plateau, Aposelemis Dam, a 2400-year-old plane tree in Krasi village, an olive oil factory, and olive groves. The tour includes lunch at a family taverna and a visit to Crete’s most famous site, Knossos Palace.

Knossos Palace is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. It served as the political, social, and cultural hub of the Minoan civilization, dating back to the Bronze Age (around 2000 BCE).

Exploring the Lasithi Plateau and Knossos Palace provides a journey through time and nature, allowing travelers to experience the authentic charm and rich traditions of Crete.

For those interested in Cretan history, mythology, traditions, nature, and cuisine, this private tour is the perfect choice.

  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Let us know if there are any specific sights or experiences you’d like to include, and we’ll tailor the tour accordingly.
  • Cruise passengers must provide the name of ship.
  • If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact us to let us know
  • For the tours that start later than 09:00 am from cruises, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple sites to get back to ship on time. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
  • Infant seats available on request
Location
Omalia Olive Press
Agias Marinas
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(38 Ratings)
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Dreamer661080
Aug 18, 2024
An amazing tour you must not miss - An amazing tour with a driver named Spyro who was very knowledgeable professional and hospitable we highly recommend the tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_r
Aug 2, 2024
An authentic look at Cretan life - My family and I took this outstanding tour on July 13th, 2024, and I am so glad that we did! Our tour guide, Stavros, arrived on time to meet us at the port. He drove us to the mountains while telling us all about his island and its people. We had a fantastic visit to an olive oil factory, where we learned how olive oil is made, and were able to try different types/flavors of olive oil, as well as honey, and purchase what we wanted. Then we proceeded up a rural mountain and we stopped along the way at a strawberry farm, where we were allowed to pick and eat the most delicious strawberries I think I have ever had. From there, we unbelievably went to Stavros’ family’s ancestral home in a small village, (he no longer lives there) where he showed us his garden and gave us all some of his home grown cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. Next he showed us the original basement kitchen with an old wood burning stove as well as some old timey kitchen utensils and explained how each was used. From there, he actually brought us into the main part of the house, to a modern kitchen where he sat us down at the kitchen table and proceeded to share some delicious Cretan white wine, some ouzo and some wonderful Cretan cheese. After leaving his family home, we went to a small bar (?) where we were able to try some Raki, which is a Cretan alcoholic drink, some very smooth Greek coffee and some cookies. We continued on through the countryside, admiring the grazing farm animals, and Stavros pointed out some ruins of 200 year old windmills on the side of one of the mountains. After stopping for some pictures, we continued on to a fantastic restaurant located on top of one of the mountains where we had the most delicious feast of Cretan delicacies (at our expense). The food was absolutely delicious, and very reasonably priced. And the views! The spectacular views! After our lunch, we proceeded to drive back towards Heraklion, and stopped at Knossos palace where we took a self-guided tour (as I think outside tour guides are forbidden from giving tours of the palace). Afterwards, we had a short bit of time to buy a few souvenirs, and then Stavros brought us back (on time) to the port so we could board our ship. As he was saying goodbye, he gave us a small bottle of olive oil as a parting gift. I have to say that this was one of my and my family’s favorite tours that we took while in Greece. Stavros was an amazing tour guide; he was warm, knowledgeable and patient with any questions we had. You can tell just how proud he is of his island and culture. Rather than spending a ton of time in touristy areas, my family and I were actually able to see how real Cretans live, and what a beautiful life it is for them. We all loved Crete, and truly want to go back and spend more time in this incredibly special place. Thank you so much, Stavros, and to all the other warm, welcoming people who we were able to meet on this tour! You made our visit to Crete so memorable and special! I cannot recommend this tour enough to others! Go. Just go- you will not be disappointed!!
Review provided by Viator
B6466bbkaten
Jul 16, 2024
Engaging, informative, and downright unforgettable experience - I would do this tour 10 times over again if I could. I already loved Crete when I had arrived the day before both with my parents, but we only had one full day on the island and decided to spend it on a tour with Spiros after reading so many wonderful reviews about him. We saw windmill ruins, an olive oil factory, LOTS of wild flora and fauna, an amazing restaurant, Zeus’s Cave, and the palace. There were so many breathtaking views and interesting stories. Spiros exceeded all expectations. He was kind, funny, informative, and responsible. The tour was clearly planned precisely and with care. Down to every detail, even telling us every time we passed an herb/fruit/vegetable growing in the wild what it was and sometimes even letting us stop to try them. He pulled out all the stops and made sure that we were completely engaged the entire time. As an admittedly phone-addicted 23 year old, I didn’t go on my phone once during this tour because I was so mesmerized by everything he said and showed us. All I had was my digital camera to capture the beautiful sights of the wonderful island, and boy was I not disappointed. I could not recommend this enough. If you can fit just one thing into your trip to Crete- make it this. Better yet, book with Spiros.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O9411zqseann
Jul 16, 2024
Spiro is the absolute best! - I was originally not looking forward to this tour. It was our last day in Greece and I wanted a beach day after several other tours on other islands. Then we met our guide Spiro. He was so enthusiastic, fun, funny, interesting and entertaining! We had the best day of our 10 days island hopping in Greece thanks to him. He is so proud of home of Crete and was just so informative fun and wonderful. We learned so much more than we thought we would. Just simply an absolutely amazing experience and tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhulshiz
Jul 16, 2024
Lost in Time and Tradition with Spiro - My husband and I, along with our 23 year old daughter, had the most magnificent tour we’ve ever had with Spiro leading the way. Nothing about this tour was rushed. From pick up at our hotel to the return drop off we felt comfortable, safe, and as if we were with family. Spiro’s mother was born on Crete, as was he and his children so he literally knows everything about the island. And it is amazing. Spiro would stop along our drives to show us herbs, trees. He took us to the city where his mother’s home is. Showed us her olive trees. We learned about the agriculture and windmills. We picked strawberries, ate fresh picked tomatoes and cucumbers. He took us to an olive processing plant, to a pottery place, to multiple places for a traditional meal or coffee and at each stop we met the owners. The pride each resident has is wonderful and their kindness unlike any other place. We of course saw the cave of Zeus and Knossos - which are remarkable, but learning the history of the island and feeling its warmth is something no other tour has given us. This is a tour not to miss. You will fall in love with Crete. Thank you Spiro and to all whom we met.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isabel_o
Jul 8, 2024
Loved our day with Spiros! - We had a fantastic day traveling with Spiros! He was a warm and engaging guide, whose love for Crete shined through. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lachlan2078
Jul 7, 2024
Unique tour of Crete - This was the best tour I can remember taking. Stavros was very hospitable and entertaining. In addition to the highlights, he took us to delightful places off the beaten track that we'd never come across ourselves. Fantastic food, pastries and coffee. I can't recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meredith_f
Jul 4, 2024
Wonderful day! - This tour was a highlight of our vacation. Our guide Spyros went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful day. Our kids ages 7 & 9 also really enjoyed the day as well. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Crete.
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_f
Jun 25, 2024
This experience is a MUST for anyone traveling to Crete - Spyros makes the experience magical for all ages. You see the tourist sites but more importantly you get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area. The strawberry picking, pottery and cave tour were the highlights of our kids’ vacation (ages 7-10).
Review provided by Viator
Philip_p
May 15, 2024
Just an overall great experience - We did the private Tour with Stavros and had a wonderful time. We were worried, that our two daughters (6 years old) would not enjoy spending a long time in a car, but as it turned out we needn't have worried. The tour features a nice balance of sights and activities that can be appreciated by grown-ups and children alike (+ lots of opportunities for bathroom breaks). We gained a lot of insight in cretan culture and history. The tour was definitely the highlight of our vacation.
Review provided by Viator
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